3-year-old dies after being run over by school bus in Idukki

A three-year-old play school student died after she was run over by a school bus at Girijyothi CMI Public School, Vazhathope, on Wednesday. The incident took place around 9.15 am. The child, identified as Hazel Ben, is a resident of Parapallil. She had arrived in a different vehicle and was walking towards the building when she was crushed under the bus as it was reversing in the school courtyard. Hazel was rushed to Idukki Medical College Hospital but was declared brought dead.

Another child, Aneya Faisal (3), suffered injuries to her leg and has been admitted to the medical college for treatment. According to Idukki police, the driver is in custody, and further proceedings are underway.

Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam told Onmanorama that the MVD has collected the CCTV visuals from the school. "We are analysing the visuals. The accident happened on the campus while the vehicle was reversing," he said. The Commissioner has sought a report. The Idukki Joint Regional Transport Officer will probe the accident.

The incident comes amid rising concerns over the increasing number of school bus–related accidents in the state. Recently, a five-year-old boy, Emin Aisin, was killed after being hit by his school bus near his home at Olukkur, Kondotty. After dropping him off, the bus reversed and ran over him. In another case, a Class 2 student, Krishnendu of Government LPS, died at Madavoor, Thiruvananthapuram, after being run over by her school bus in front of her house.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Transport Authority (STA) has mandated the installation of blind spot mirrors on all heavy transport vehicles and educational institution buses as part of vehicle fitness requirements from November 1. All Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have also been directed to train drivers of stage carriers, heavy goods vehicles, heavy passenger vehicles, educational institution buses, and contract carriages on the proper use of these mirrors.